CONGRESSMAN MORELLE ANNOUNCES ADVANCEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT TO STRENGTHEN SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY IN TOWN OF BRIGHTON

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by government and community partners to announce that the Elmwood Avenue Multiuse Corridor Improvement Project proposal is advancing in the House of Representatives. The $8.6 million project was submitted as part of this year's Surface Transportation Member Designated Projects.

"As we work to strengthen our local infrastructure, it is critical to prioritize projects that support multi-modal transportation options," said Congressman Morelle. "This exciting project will help accommodate the needs of commuters along a busy intersection while enhancing quality of life for Brighton residents. I am proud to have helped move this project forward and will continue advocating for investments like this that create safer and more accessible neighborhoods."

"On behalf of the residents of Monroe County, I want to thank Congressman Morelle for securing these critical infrastructure improvement funds for our community," said County Executive Adam Bello. "The Elmwood Avenue Multiuse Corridor Improvement Project will be instrumental in connecting communities from various parts of the City of Rochester and the Town of Brighton. These improvements will make the pedestrian experience of traveling Elmwood Avenue much more accessible and enjoyable, and will improve traffic safety for those in motor vehicles. Active transportation and improved trail connectivity have become increasingly popular over the last few years, this project brings more of those amenities to Monroe County."

"Thank you Congressman Morelle for championing this mobility project for the Town of Brighton," said Brighton Supervisor Bill Moehle. "Brighton is committed to encouraging safe bicycle and pedestrian travel alternatives. This project will connect with our sidewalk and trail system, to make Elmwood Ave. part of a safer multi-modal transportation network in Brighton."

This project will construct a multiuse path along Elmwood Avenue, between the Rochester City Line and Monroe Avenue in the Town of Brighton, along with a pavement surface treatment and traffic signal work in support of the new path. It will connect four major bicycle facilities in the area: Elmwood Avenue Cycle Track (City of Rochester), Highland Crossing Trail (City of Rochester/Town of Brighton), Brickyard Trail (Town of Brighton), and the Town of Brighton Bicycle Boulevard System. The result will be a major regional connection for bicyclists and pedestrians as well as a needed surface treatment for motor vehicles.

"Investing in local infrastructure is critical to our recovery from this pandemic," said Assemblywoman Sarah Clark. "The improvements to the Elmwood Avenue Multi-use Corridor will further support the resurgence of the use of multi-modal connectivity in our community, transforming a major roadway by elevating trails from recreational pathways to an integral part of the transportation system. This project will benefit a multitude of commuters while making the corridor more accessible to families and outdoor activities. Thank you to Congressman Morelle, Monroe County and the Town of Brighton for your collaboration to secure this project and ensure we build back better."

"The Elmwood Avenue Multiuse Corridor Improvement Project will upgrade commutes while at the same time create more bike-able and walkable options for our community. This investment in our transportation infrastructure will increase accessibility and help us reimagine how we travel. I want to thank Congressman Morelle for his work on behalf of the citizens of Brighton," said Senator Jeremy Cooney.

"Reconnect Rochester champions transportation choices that enable a more vibrant and equitable community," said Renee Stetzer, President of Reconnect Rochester. "We believe this project, which connects four major bicycle facilities in the area, will reshape this stretch of road into a new bicycle transportation corridor that will become an integral part of our community's transportation system."

The project proposal can be read in full here. It is currently included as part of the INVEST in America Act (H.R.3684) and is expected to be voted upon by the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.